Radiology refers to the field of medicine that focuses on the use and application of imaging technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. If your doctor has requested that you undergo an imaging procedure, here are a few possible reasons for that request and why it’s important that you book an appointment for it as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Radiology uses imaging techniques that include ultrasounds, CT scans, PET scans, MRI scans and x-rays. Because the procedure is well able to generate clear images of the inside of the human body through non-invasive means, doctors rely on these techniques as a diagnostic tool, the WebMD says. They use these techniques to assess the condition of your tissues, organs and systems to determine what’s causing your symptoms and eliminate other possible conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Doctors also use Radiology imaging techniques to check on the progress of your treatment. For instance, in cancer patients, imaging techniques are employed to monitor and determine whether the treatment administered is effective or not. This way, doctors can adjust the dosage or try out a different treatment program for hopefully better results.
Monitoring
Radiology imaging tools are painless, allowing doctors to check on your condition without causing you undue stress and discomfort. If you or anyone in your family has a history of cancer, your doctor will likely recommend that you take imaging procedures to monitor your health and check for indications that you may suffer from the same condition or disease. Imaging procedures can catch symptoms that may point to the onset of cancer. By doing so, your doctors can start you on treatment right away. Cancer is often hard to detect in many cases. These imaging procedures give you the advantage, making early diagnosis and treatment possible. This has a positive impact on the rate of your recovery.
